Application Of Activity Theory Implemented In Information Systems Psychology Essay

Application Of Activity Theory Implemented In Information Systems Psychology Essay Activity theory is a theory of understanding the unobservable mental processes of the human, and their response and perception to a stimulus. Philosophers have established many definitions and explanation of activity theory, however it can be most clearly defined as: Activity theory theorizes that when individuals engage and interact with their environment, production of tools results. These tools are exteriorized forms of mental processes, and as these mental processes are manifested in tools, they become more readily accessible and communicable to other people, thereafter becoming useful for social interaction (Kim 2010 p:1). The activity theory has been made well known especially in the field on psychology by the likes of Leontev, Vygotsky, Luria (1977) and recently Engestrom (1999). Its main use it that of an explanatory nature in multiple disciplines, to enable us to gain a clear understanding of they way systems work and how change may occur. In this study we will introduce the origin of the activity theory, its framework and constructs, and identify its use. Furthermore we will analyse the activity theory from a philosophical, ontological and epistemological perspective. To analyse the application of the activity theory, we look at three examples from which we will draw out the theoretical framework. History of the activity theory The origin of the Activity Theory lies within the work of Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky (1896 1934). Vygotsky spent his time discovering the relationship between words and consciousness, and studied human mental development (Vygosky, 1986). In the 1920s, Lev Vygotsky worked on a way to develop a psychological theory based on Marxist philosophy and thinking (OLeary, 2010). During the 1920s and 30s, Vygotsky worked alongside two other psychologists, Alexander Romanvich Luria (1902 1977) and Aleksei Nickolaev Leontev (1903 1979), together they formed the Troika (Radzikhovkii Khomskaya, 1981). The work of these three psychologists were developed and carried out at the Institute of Experimental Psychology and the Krupslcaya Academy of communist Education (Radzikhovkii Khomskaya, 1981). Luria was one of Vygotskys students and worked on this project with Vygotsky. After working with Vygotsky on this theory, Leontev went on to extend Vygotskys work develop a more practical structure of the Activity Theory, which only became well known in the 1990s once it was translated form Russian into English (Levy, 2008). As mentioned above, the Activity Theory was developed by the philosophers, namely; Vygotsky, Luria and Leontev (Engestrom, 1999). Three general themes are present throughout the research done on the Activity Theory by the three Philosophers: The use of genetic or developmental method. The claim that higher mental functioning in the individual emerges out of social processes. The claim that human social and psychological processes are fundamentally shaped by cultural tools or mediation means. (Vygotsky, 1978). Figure 1 below shows the basic structure of the Activity Theory developed by Vygotsky. Tool Subject Object Figure 1: The basic schematic of mediated Activity as developed by Vygotsky (1978, 1987 p:201). General overview of the activity theory Although the Activity theory originates from the three Russian psychologists, a key set of structures were developed in the late 1970s by Engestrom (1970), which was used to explain the Activity Theory in a more clear and informative manner. This frame work was developed and used over multiple disciplines. The following quote by various philosophers provide a brief explanation of the Activity Theory; According to Hasan and Crawford (2003 p:155), Activity theory is based on the idea that human activity is a dialectic relationship subject (person) and object (person). This means that the relationship is not harmonious and that human perform actions with a predetermined outcome in mind. These actions however are influence d by tools, words, or cultural signs (Hasan and Crawford, 2003). Engestrom (1989 p:30) philosophically describe Activity Theory as a system of collaborative human practices and sees it as a generator of a constantly and continuously emerging context. Morten et al (2002 p:158) specified that the individuals interaction with other humans and their surroundings leads to thoughts and perceptions. Thus, Morten derived two types of activities (Levy 2008); Goal directed activities: the action occurs due to the goal that was set. Goal derived activities: an action occurs before goals are set. Shchedrovitsky (1995) on the other hand noted two approaches in his study of the Activity Theory; Formulation of the activity: This means that the individual carries out a set task or activity. Activity as an attribute of individuals: where the subject is the cause of the activity. When comparing Morten and Shchedrovitskys approaches we can see that they are alike, Mortens goal directed activities and Shchedrovitskys formulation of activities are alike as individuals do not have control over the activity to be performed. The goal derived activity and activity as an attribute is the same as the individual makes the decision of what and how the activity will be carried out. Theoretical constructs of the activity theory After Leontev expanded on Vygotskys theory, a modern philosopher, Engestrom developed a general theoretical construct in 1987 for the Activity theory; there are various other structures that were developed to explain Activity Theory which will be discussed below. Engestroms Structure of Activity According Yrjo Engestrom (1987) the activity theory is composed of 8 elements that interact with each other to achieve a specific goal. Activity and Tasks: an activity is an action that performed on an object to achieve an outcome or a goal. This activity may contain numerous steps or task that may or may not lead to achievement of the ultimate goal (Barthelmess and Anderson, 2003). Subject: subjects refer to the person that carries out the activity. The subject may play a specific role in completing a task, but is ultimately part of a group or team doing an activity. Object: the object is that which becomes transformed in the process of the activity and is motivated by a goal (OLeary, 2010). Outcome: the outcome is what happens after a task or activity is completed, it may or not obtain the object or goal (OLeary, 2010). Community: the community is composed of all the people or subjects and objects involved in the activity being performed (OLeary, 2010). Tools: tolls refer to physical and mental tools. They determine the way people interact with reality. They may limit peoples reactions or help them by enabling them to do things they previously could not (OLeary, 2010). Rules are guidelines, conventions, codes etc. that are usually set up by the organisation for a specific activity (OLeary, 2010). Division of labour: includes the hierarchical structure in the organisation and how activities are broken down into tasks and divided among members of the organisation (OLeary, 2010). The Activity Theory framework can be diagrammatically summarised as follows: Figure 2: The structure of an activity. Source: Engestrom, 1987 p:342. Drawing conclusions form the above framework, it is evident that a pattern occurs in the analogy of the Activity Theory of most philosophers. The Activity Theory can thus be explained as an explanatory theory that enables us to understand, identify and acknowledge strengths and weaknesses in a system. With the use of Activity Theory, a subject performs an activity on an object to reach an outcome. The activity in influenced by a tool(s) and the outcome driven by a goal. However, there are rules that govern how these tasks and activities are performed, and how tasks are divided among participants. These participants for the community of the activity, it includes everyone that was directly involved in the activity. Bendy et al. Units of Analysis The activity theory is based on cognitive of perceptive actions and the analysis there of (Bendy et al 2000). In general, the activity theory is composed of 5 units of analysis: Activity Task Action Operation Function Block Activity and tasks are objects of study as they are composed of assorted units with complex internal structures that represent particular kinds of activities focused to achieve terminal goals. Actions, operations and functional blocks emerge as units of analysis. Activities have intermediate couscous goals. Theories related to the activity theory Two theories have shown to be prominent that relate to the activity theory, namely the Information Systems Development (ISD) model and the Activity Analysis and Development (ActAd) Model. The activity theory is an explanatory theory that gives us a clear indication of the current situation and its problems, whereas the ISD model and ActAd is designed to carry out solutions and bring about change in systems. According to the paper written by Korpela et.al (Information Systems as an Activity), the ISD model and the ActAd model are interlinked where the ISD model is used as a universal work activity, with influence from ActAd as a theoretical framework. ActAD describes an activity as whole unit, comprised of networks and smaller activities or tasks, which is almost identical to the framework of the activity theory, Mursu et.al (2007). Korpela et.al explains the ISD model as a method in which an activity is manipulated by tools such as analysis, design, implementation, introduction and sustained support, as well as process management. In theoretical terms, the ISD model can be easily analyzed by using the activity theory as a framework, as all elements of the activity theory are interlinked forming a network for the interaction of activities. The use of activity theory and the diciplines in which it is used Psychology was the first discipline to use the activity theory, specifically a Russian psychologist Leontev (1977). Leontevs initial concern was the nature of the human consciousness and understanding the fundamental psychological basis of human behaviour through the study of linguistics, mental disabilities and its phenomena. In Engerstrorms article, Activity theory as framework for analysing and redesigning work the activity theory is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach, as it cuts across disciplines ranging from economics, sociology, psychology, ergonomics and criminology. Engerstrom (2000) describes the theory as drawing on psychological notions of mental processes, and makes use of institutions and communities rather than individuals as their units of analysis. Activity theory is directly proportional to learning and doing, in the sense that one cannot exist without the other; they are driven or initiated by a goal (Rohrer-Murphy and Jonassen, 1999). During the 19th century, social science was defined as the study of human behaviour within societies. An authentic definition of social science given by Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx and Max Weber: A society is made up of individuals are a major unit of analysis within a society, entitles them as primary architects of modern social science. With the use of the activity theory, we can predict the outcome based on background information and existing knowledge. This will enable us to gain a clear understanding of the varying behaviours and mental processes of people within a society. In criminology, activity theory was proposed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979 (Miller, 2006: 81). It was a response to attempt to analyse the then increasing crime rate of the United States during 1947 to 1974 (Cohen, 1979: 588).during that period, the crime rate was increasing and economic conditions were deteriorating, the activity theory was thus popular at that time as it was the only theory that could explain the circumstances. Once the analysis was complete, Cohen and Felson created a theory that was based on the rational choice model, in which people make rational decisions in ways that increases their advantages, and decreases their disadvantages as much as possible (Akers, 2004: 26). It is thus evident as stated above that the activity theory is versatile and can be used across multiple disciplines. It is an explanatory theory that enables the development of change and can be implemented in countless situations. Philosophical perspective of Activity theory According to Kutti (1991), activity theory is the Philosophical framework for studying different forms of human praxis as developmental processes both individual and social levels interlinked at the same time In other words the activity is not classified as a methodology but as a philosophy that looks at different forms of human natures acceptable practices, as developmental processes both on a social and individual level simultaneously. This philosophy is further described by Engestrom (1987) as a structural framework focused at surpassing all known dichotomies of micro-macro mental and material, observation and intervention in analysis and redesign of work. The Philosophical views deals with problems connected with knowledge, values, reason, mind and language (Teichmann and Evans 1999).Philosophical perceptions of activity theory found its origins in 1987, the birth of the society for research that was based on Activity Theory (ISCRAT) foundation. The Activity Theory was developed to solve problems for four main areas include Psychology of play, learning, cognition and child development (Becker and Niehaves 2007). Further more there where key outcomes or focus areas; language acquisitions and experimental development, these were also linked to educational institutes and schools. The activity theory discovers deep underlying concepts; the study of these concepts takes us through a process of transcendence. Thus it is important to realise that individuals have a variety of societal circumstances, secondly it creates ways to understand change, and thirdly the concept of labour and the role it plays. Labour comprises of the use and making of tools and the conditions that affect the activity. These conditions can be broken down to the functions of the process, relationship with nature, other people and the different people in the society (Engestrom 1999). Ontological perspective of Activity theory The term ontology comes from field of physiological concerned with study of being or existence. In computer science and information science ontology designed to enable the use of knowledge in a specific area whether physical or virtual. Ontology defines concepts, relationships and other distinctions that are relevant for development in a precise area (Liu and Tamer 2009). Ontology and activity theory is useful for theoretical and methodical lengths characterising and analysing and designing for a particular unit. The transition to meditated activity, fundamentally changes all psychological operations. The use of tools limitless broadens the range of activity within which new psychological functions may operate (OLeary 2010) As shown in the above figure. Activity Theory ontological perspective branches off the core disciplines of activity theory and looks at the tools, rules, division of labour, community, subject, object and outcomes in depth. The Ontology view will result in areas of meditational tools and artefacts, norms, tasks and roles, groups, individual, goals and results. Ontology offers a deeper and descriptive understanding of collaborative learning. (Barros et.al 2002). (Barros 2011 p:2) Epistemological perspective of Activity theory Epistemology is a philosophical study of what is required in order to have rational benefits and knowledge. Both traditional methods of philosophy and modern methods of cognitive science have broadened the understanding of epistemology (Cruz, 2011). Epistemology is an attempt to make sense of the possibility, nature and limits of human intellectual achievement. A key focus is to try to understand what is really known or believe reasonable. Epistemology aims to understand general and ever-present elements of human enquiry such as perceptual knowledge or inductive inference. Epistemology aims to investigate specific areas of knowledge or rational beliefs. To understand the nature of explanation in cognitive science ultimately the use of epistemology is present (Thorne 2005). When one relates the elements of Epistemology to the Activity Theory we can deduce that possibilities relate to the outcome of the activity and the limits referred to the rules that govern these activities. If we look at Activity Theory from an Epistemological perspective, its purpose is to describe a situation and how outcomes are achieved through the use of knowledge and resources, same as tools found in at. Activity theory thus realise what we know based on our knowledge and experiences, and gives us clear understanding thereof. Part b Activity Theory as an Analytical Tool: A Case Study of IS Development for an Anti-Retroviral Treatment Clinic in South Africa Does Activity Theory assist in highlighting challenges faced by the ART clinic with their current IS and assist in representing what users require from IS? The above the question is that which the case study seeks to answer. The ActAD model was used to highlight work and communication activities for which IS was needed. It was used to investigate the quality of data and illustrate importance of linking IS development and work practises. Research methods used were observation, structured and semi-structured interviews. These were used to help with understanding on how IS are used and also to understand reasons why it is not used. Value and performance of current IS needed to be researched if a potential explanation could be found. A number of techniques were used to collect data and to develop the process flow, these included the following: Use of available info, common knowledge, published docs and literature study on health info. Physical observations of the current process to watch and record the processes in the current systems Structured, semi-structured, unstructured interviews with various stakeholders were held. Either face to face or by email. After the collaborations with stakeholders and noting of concerns and viewpoints towards the current HIS, the ActAD model was used to represent the current IS and also the desired IS. Activity Theory as an Analytical tool: Actors and subjects: ART staff clinic that produce healthcare for HIV/AIDS patients requiring ART Means of work, the instruments and the facilities: computer, excel spreadsheet, docs in patient files, statistical data and medical instruments Object: unwieldy patients Means of co-ordination and communication division of work, rules, etc.: communications via phones or verbally, the rules stipulated and applied and use of captured data. Researchers role was to observe current situation by focusing on object, the means of work, instruments and facilities and how the actors and subjects made use of data collected. There are also exterior players illustrated by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Usefulness of Activity Theory: Highlighting the challenges The need for change: computer network and connectivity is lacking and thus a computer-based IS would be needed to aid the data incarceration, analysis and reporting. Current HIS does not support management functions or work processes of the clinic. IS as part of the work activity: work processes need to be streamlined if a computerised IS can assist with improving data quality and help improve decision making. Some of the improvement would include: Segregation of duties Verification of data Standardisation of ART clinic IS. Role of different stakeholders: the greatest challenge is the need for all the stakeholders to agree on a flexible IS that meets the minimum data requirements of the parties involved. Need for on-going support: funding for IT and training, ongoing upholding and support will be required once the system has been designed and implemented. This will lead to enhanced quality of healthcare services if it is part of proper admin and resource management.

Essay example --

The book of Matthew chapter 5 through 7 was known as, â€Å"The Sermon on the Mount†. Which were words spoken by Jesus Christ. The purpose of this Sermon was to show representation of the normative foundation of Christian Morality. For instance, this passage was more so fixated on whole hearted benevolence towards others around you and genuine devotion to God. The 10 commandments tradition was questioned by Jesus due to the fact that if an individual obeyed and observed God’s Law that would please God. Another way to please God would be if, â€Å"men entered the kingdom of heaven, which is possible only if they change qualitatively in their hearts†(Zunjic) The first portion of Jesus teachings were made up of blessings known as beatitudes. Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus. The word beatitude stimulates from a Latin adjective beatitudo which means happiness, fortunate, and blissful. The beatitudes are mainly located in versus 3 to 6. According to Wilkins, â€Å"They apply in an almost, â€Å"upside down† reality and this vision that should be adhered to life in operating the kingdom life among God’s people.† If an individual decided to disobey or decided to not follow the rules of the pattern of this world, God would considered that type of behavior as an upside down life style. If you are an authentic discipline you would follow the guidelines of the beatitudes. â€Å"Jesus was looking to set goals in the beatitudes and the whole Sermon on the Mount. These goals should not be seen as impossible ideals, rather a new kind of life that strives,permeats and change lives†(Robinson, et al.). Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are... ... us to love the prosecutors who work and trespass against us. At the end of Jesus’ sermon he stated, â€Å"Be perfect therefore just as your heavenly father is perfect.†(Matthew 5 verse 48). When Jesus stated to be perfect, Jesus did not mean to be some type of big time over achiever or to have a perfect patty attitude. The point Jesus was trying to make was to stop comparing yourself to others. When people decide to put themselves in competition with others or compare themselves to others that will lead them to a path of false sense of righteousness. Jesus wants us to learn a lesson from his â€Å"to be perfect† statement. Jesus understands that no one is 100% perfect out here. There is also a chance where there can be an individual that is morally challenged than what you might be. In the end in God’s vision there is room for improvement in God’s perfection.

Night Essay -- essays research papers

World War II and the diseased mind of Hitler were the factors the led to the Genocide. People who were not the superior race in Hitler’s opinion did not deserve to live. Jews were the target of the extermination. To establish his plan Hitler created Concentration Camps, where people were forced to work. Those that were considered useless became fuel for the gas chambers and crematory. Hitler’s long term goal was to wipe out all the Jews. In the novel, Night, by Elie Wiesel, the author retells the unforgettable hardship and suffering that he goes through while he is in the concentration camps. In this novel, Elie helps us realize and visualize the brutality and madness of the camps and SS officers. His struggle for survival and the horror that he is exposed to changes his life forever. Elie’s experiences at the camp have a dramatic impact on his faith, his relationship with his father and his innocence. â€Å"Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever. Never I shall forget the nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget those things, even when I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.† By reading this quote you can hear Elie Wiesel anguish and what an impact concentration camps had on his faith. Before he was exposed to other mans madness and brutality he had faith in God and lived for him. He ...

Development and Design

It has been discussed at large that to sustain the revenue growth and the value; organizations need to be innovative at different strata and phases of market and product life cycle respectively. Considering the issue of Virgin Mobile, it is a matter of problem solving propelled by the uncertainty of the stakeholders support and the forecasted possibilities of failing of the existing service plans. Though; to nullify the risk factor of diminishing revenue and the brand image, substitute product coupled with service plane has been introduced.But, like most of the products it will take the brand through a wild ride to gain the market acceptance and to justify its stand against its competitors. To deal the issue strategically; the paper will assess and evaluate the product development process, while differentiating the case of new and existing products, factors of product designing, system administration for new product beta stage, re-launching of product into new market and factors invo lved in designing the proposed product. The holistic approach under the spotlight in this paper is about the process of the product development.New product development (NPD) is the concept of total cycle of the product engineering; to market the new product or the service to boost the business. The process can be executed by following a parallel dual path transition. One path looks after the idea generation, product design, and the detailing of the product engineering. But interestingly, the progression and the acceptance of the proposal of a new product can only take place; if the other side of the parallel process takes its stand.The other way that involves the activities like market research and marketing analysis carry ground work to formulate the further plans that propels the details engineering. The product life cycle management, which observes and help sustain the growth of the market share through the quadrants of the life cycle curve, considers the development of the new p roduct to be the first stage of promoting and marketing the new product in the entire product life cycle.In this inception stage, the development process has structured steps of thinking about the product, its viability to the target audience, its needs and the features required, the sales projection and the revenue expected to be generated, having a real time experience with the product proposed and the other ancillary plans to make the product market. The above stated gist can be technically explained under the following sub-headings. Idea Generation: The brainstorming activity for the new product can only take place when the organization has already conducted the SWOT and the opportunity analysis.A clear conception out these tests helps ideate to take the project forward. This also takes the process to its next level of idea screening. Idea Screening: As the meaning of screening suggests; it eliminates the possible unwanted elements in the course of the new product development. I t seeks about the product benefit to the customers. The size and the projected growth factors in the new market and the market trend of the product or service concept is based on. This to measure how feasible will it be to manufacture the same; technically in regard of cost to price ratio.Concept Development and Testing: In short, this involves the product engineering, which further involves the issues like, end users, the features, product benefit, and cost effectiveness of the product, experiencing a real time scenario and deciding on the actual market price. To gather knowledge on these; it takes a thorough survey of the target segment. Business Analysis: Depending on the potential customer feedback and the competitors stand, the process again revises the ideal selling price of the proposed product to be marketed.Other measures that follow the suite are the sales volume projection calculated on market size, estimated bottom-line and the break-even point. Beta Stage: This is a dra matic event of conducting the real time execution of the proposed product. This is the prototype stage where the product is being used on the customer to collect feedbacks and acceptance by introducing at the shows and conducting interviews. This helps to build the brand identification process that will boost the initial selling in the actual scenario.Technical Implementations and Commercialization mostly considered as the post-NPD activity consider the ancillary factors like the resource estimation, operational planning and the vendor line-up and the other logistic issues. Besides, it steers the post NPD promotional agendas and the channel management too (Ulrich and Eppinger, 2004). To manufacture a new product that suites the market, it needs an important consideration of the factors that make the product designing a success in the market.In the gamut of product management; credit for the successful new product designing that took the market decently, goes to the category of indus trial designing. This genre has an unparallel contribution to product designing in terms of technical know-how, product, its process, aesthetics, usability, and ergonomics. It has the keen observation on product engineering, attributes, market placement; leading to attractiveness, psychology, customers’ need, want and desire and the emotional attachment of the end users with the brand.According to different designers and school of thought the designing aspects may vary though (Pulos, 1988). The factors of new product designing are the professional concepts to create and develop inputs that strike the balance and logisize the function, value and the look of the products and services to leverage a common benefit for both the user and the manufacturer. The concept is big enough to encompass the entire development process of a new product. But in the year 1967, the total concept has focused of the five major backgrounds as per Dreyfuss.Utility: This counts on the products’ user interface in terms of safety, ergonomic approach, and the perceived value of the consumers. Here the concern about the features is about communicating there utilities to the customers. Likewise Virgin’s Data card alone; gives an internet support on go. It is mobile and can enhance the communicating usage of laptops or notebooks. Further, the alternative plan of strategic partnership with IT companies will facilitate the communication features of the notebooks; following a diversified revenue earning.Appearance: This factor reflects the plan and the success of stand-alone proposed product in the crowd of the competitors to stand out of the crowd. As the market is flooded with me too products, the factor like this takes care of form, shape, size, proportion, and color to provide the customers a pleasing presentation. This is particularly in terms of the data card only, not the product development and enhancement with strategic partnership. Ease of maintenance: In this jet age, clients will hardly have the spare to dedicate and cherish the product.The main concern would be the performance and service of the product, for which the factor stated shoulders the responsibilities of easy maintenance, which will not need high involvement of the owner and accessibility to the service hubs for effective after-sales-service. Low costs: To equip the product with forms and features the market price of the same finally goes up. For Virgin; it should bear in mind that proposed product is going to make-up the revenue gap and is set to gain back the confidence of the stake holders.Thus keeping the cost low will help the product and organization to penetrate the new market and introduce the newly developed product smoothly. Communication: This is the factor that highlights the visual features of the product and of course the organizational and brand image. Communication reflects the philosophy of the company; with which the stake holders are heavily involved. In case the product is communicated well from all the aspects; it will help to go off the rack fast, with a promise of yielding more revenue from the process.The entire process plays a significant role surrounding the forte of industrial designing and goes hand-in-hand to lay down the factors of product designing for a successful commercialization (Ulrich and Eppinger, 2004). After the session long development process of a new product the most challenging stage comes with the appearance of moment of truth. At this stage; the organization put proposed product in a usable model to collect the customers’ reactions to predict potential future of the product in the real market situation.Though mostly people consider prototype to be a fully functional model with full form and shape, to be examined by the potential customers, it is further subdivided by the designers as the comprehensive prototype and the focused prototype. The initial type is the essential form the model determining the s uccess and the coordination of all the components, and judging how well they are functioning together. Where as the latter; being focused deals with the limited number of attributes and features.The model; here is more ken in observing certain areas of concern. This can be of importance while developing an existing product design, where the designer knows the particular area needs to be modified or revamped. But; to ensure the smooth running of the concept, a system administration is required to steer the phase. This counts the administrative faculties like, Quality of the user interface that will evaluate whether the data card is understandable by the user and is easy to handle or jack-in into the ports of notebooks.Will the Emotional appeal meet the psychological needs of the customers to make the product a success? Maintenance and repairing process should be easy and user friendly to the users. Appropriate use of resources oversees the right usage of features that will fetch the customer his or her value for money, etc (Crawford and Di Benedetto, 2004). As discussed earlier; the new product involves an extensive development plans, considering both the aspects of present and new products and markets to place in the market in the successfully. But in case of existing product it has edgeSource: Harvard Business Review over the new products as it already holds the earned market share and the awareness. But to boost the performance of the existing products; organizations re-launch and redesign, which creates atleast three key differences than that of the new product development. For a company to expand with its existing product; Market penetration is the least risky key to adopt. As the penetration happens when a company enters the market with existing product, the first approach is to do the poaching of the competitors’ client base.Further it can attracts the non users and the existing users to increase the usage by means of promotional activities and hi ghlighting the enhanced attributes the will make the life of the new and existing users’ life better. This is the key of existing markets and existing products. In case of an existing product; the key of the Market development can help the same to fit in and create new segments with its established brand image, like Lucozade shifted from the sick children target segment to the athletes.Here the market was not new; but the company, which got into motion with time. Companies can use the key of Product development too, where the market exists but the product is new, though for the company; not for the market as the presence of other brands have made the product an existing one, the organization is venturing with its version to squeeze more revenue from the old product too (Ansoff, 1957). The conclusive step of the entire development process circles around the factors that govern the proposed product.The stand alone product like data card should concentrate on the concept evaluat ion measuring the technical and the marketing factors to know the rank of the product at the present state. It controls the financial issues too including the tariff to stand the competition. As the proposal has been made after the initial stages of the developmental process, it becomes more focused, which leads to stage commercialization.In the technical development task it undertakes the responsibilities of the protocols of the prototype and the production line up to make it eventually ready to scale up at the time requirement and subsequently to market the product proposed. Besides, marketing strategies holds plans for business proposals, product augmentation and launch the marketing activities to complete the process of proposed product designe. Reference Ansoff, I. (1957). Strategies for Diversification. Harvard Business Review, 35, 5, 113-124. Crawford, M. and Di Benedetto, A. (2004). New Products Management. (7th ed). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies. Pulos, A.J. (1988). The American Design Adventure 1940-1975. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press. Ulrich, K.T. and Eppinger, S.D. (2004). Product Design and Development (3rd ed). New York: McGraw-Hill. Ullman, D.G. (2009). The Mechanical Design Process (4th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill.

International Business Essay

1. Summarize the globalization debate. What are the major interest groups in the world economy? How are they affected by different elements of globalization? 2. Who benefits and who loses from a shift in jobs to low-wage economies? Consider this question from the perspective of consumers, labour, technological change, firms, nation-states. Are the net benefits likely to be positive? 3. Identify and evaluate the sources of conflict between pressures on companies to operate globally and the desire of governments to regulate companies and activities within their borders. 4. Account for the existence of counter trade in the world economy and explore the view that its influence will continue as a solution to the problem developing countries face when attempting to export to western markets? 5. Analyze the likely impact on domestic markets of import restrictions via tariffs and quotas respectively. Discuss the dynamic side effects that can arise from import protection. 6. In the light of the strategic significance of price discrimination between cross-border markets to firms, evaluate the merits of anti-dumping measures. 7. Outline the static and dynamic effects of a customs union and explain why regional integration blocs composed of small economies are unlikely to be economically beneficial. 8. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the joint venture over licensing as a foreign market entry mode. Describe scenarios when licensing might be the preferable one of the two entry modes. 9. International franchising is often regarded as a low-risk foreign market entry strategy. Does this view fully reflect the attraction of international franchising as a market entry mode? 10. Under what circumstances would a BOT system make sense as an international marketing strategy?

African American Literature Essay

African American writing is outstandingly interesting, and very informative. All African American writers observe cultural dealing in related and diverse understandings. The three stories that I decided to talk about in this task is â€Å"To my old Master† by Jourdon Anderson, â€Å"My White Folks Treated us Good† by Marriah Hines, and â€Å"If we must die† by Claude McKay. In these stories they observed prejudice, discrimination, and inclusive behaviors throughout the years. The writers open the reader’s eyes to things that were going on in each writer’s life. We will see that each writer was going through the same thing being an African American in America. â€Å"My White Folks treated us good† by Marriah Hines (p. 32). She talked about how her master took care of them by nourishing, the way he dressed them and how he did not hold them back from them developing. The women were right when she said it was exploitation of former slaves. She specified â€Å"Some unfortunate individuals practically have nothing to eat. Why, the way their owners treated them was disgraceful treated them like felines and canines† (Hines, p.32). Hines made remarks about how her master did not permit them to work on Sundays because it was a day for rest. Hines made it clear how nice it was to work for the master that she worked for. She was treated with respect she was not beaten, raped or injured by her master. She told the readers the different between her master and other masters, how others so him as an African American lover. Her master was a religious person went to church and always encourage the slaves to go to church also but did not care if they did not. Even when the slaves were set free the slaves wanted to stay. â€Å"Most of us stayed right there and raised our own crops. † (p. 34). She concluded the way she was able to survive was because of her master. When the slaves became free Hines master gave them cows and mules in order to be successful running their own farms. She was free but she remained loyal to her master and his family until he died and the family moved away. In the story â€Å"To my old Master† by Jourdon Anderson, this is a letter in return t previous correspondence f his old master. The master want Anderson and his family to come back and work for him, is this master being weak, because the slaves did all the work nad things not getting done. The reader can see how the master mistreats the slaves. Anderson states, â€Å"Although you shot at me twice before I left you, I did not want to hear of your being hurt, and I am glad you still living†. (p. 15). Anderson continues to have a discussion on how he and his family are doing well after slavery how their new life is just that new. He tells the master how his kids are getting an education, and how well he is doing making money. One of things that Anderson was afraid of if he went back to work for the old master and that was would he be treated like the last time. The reader knows that Anderson wife Mandy is against going back because she does not believe that things will not change. I think Anderson did not feel commutable going back either because of what he said â€Å"We have concluded to test your sincerity by asking you to send us our wages for the time we served you† (p. 16). How Anderson seen it this was a step toward healing the broken working relationship between him and his master. What Anderson wanted was to be paid back for all the work that he put in. He served his master for 32 years and his wife served for 20 years. Anderson continues to discuss how the master mistreated women and how he was afraid of bring his daughter back in to that environment. Anderson stated â€Å"I would stay here and starve and die, if it comes to that then to have my girl bought to shame by violence and wickedness of their master†. (p. 16). Anderson was harboring about going back but I think he knew he could not go back to his old master. By doing that it was a step back and not a move forward. â€Å"If we must die† this poem is by Claude McKay. This was a poem about how African Americans people were horribly treated by White Americans. This poem discuss about how African Americans stood up for themselves, if it took physical or even if it cost their life. McKay stated â€Å"though far be more numerous than let us show us courageous. Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack, pressed to the wall, dying but fighting back† (p. 378). This statement is a strong statement. The author was trying to tell the African American men that even when things don’t look good and it don’t look like a way out just keep fighting. In the poem â€Å"If we must die† McKay states â€Å"If we must die, let it not be like a hog, hunted and penned in an inglorious spot† (p. 378). Even today we as African Americans still find ourselves fighting to be part of America. The problems that ascend with African Americans are being used just because of the color of our skins. The event with Trayvon Martin the young 17 year old boy shot down because of the way he dressed and the way the young man looked. To this day we are still dealing with racism and it seems like America will always have to deal with racism. Civilization still has not come as far as they would like to have faith in. America has taken its chances to change and to make a harmony with every American. As we have read these stories from three different writers they all have something in common and that was that they were dealing with the same problem. All three writers was part of that culture that was oppressed and left to be defeated. But as one of the writers said when things are bad and we keep getting beat up just keep fighting and we will progress through.

Developing Personal Management Skills Assignment

Developing Personal Management Skills - Assignment Example Like any other business, organizations have little or no interest on good management and emphasize on exciting and glamorous work of leadership. Nevertheless, managers are subjects for good performance. Generally, managers should translate their leadership skills to high productivity and good governance. Whereas leaders bring forth vision, motivation and challenge, all these things are in vain if there is no effective implementation as a result of good management. Essentially, a good manager should be equipped with vast skills, ranging from planning, communication, and delegation to motivation. Since there are several management skills required for proper management, it is very tricky to build skills in areas you are not comfortable. Leaders have different management skills, and their applications vary (Mcgrath, 2009). However, for good results and long-term success, it is worth analyzing your personal managerial skills, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and capitalizing on your best management skills. As if this is not enough, pose a challenge to your to improve in your weakest points. This helps you to identify your strong and weak areas, take advantage of past and manage the latter (Hannaway & Gabriel , 2005). Communication is a very crucial tool in the management. In any organization, you have to communicate with your workmates, seniors, juniors and the stakeholders. This tool has given me confidence in place of work and build a lot of trusts. As long as I know what am talking about, worries have no place. It implies that as I communicate with staff, I should have substance so that they can listen to me. Likewise, as they pass information, they should have a clear conscience of what they want to pass across. Communication is a very critical skill for managers. For a number of years, employe es in one of the organizations, I once worked went for a strike because of reshuffling their supervisors. Essentially, there was a  need to make changes, but most of them were unwilling. When I joined as one of the managers, the tension was all over. I took some time to study the organizational structure and the entire set up, and I realized there was need indeed to reshuffle.